Choosing between candidates.
WHAT TO BASE IT ON
Scored evaluation against documented requirements Reference findings Total cost over five years Implementation risk Fit with your capability to operate it
WHY THAT LAST POINT MATTERS
A superior system you cannot operate is inferior in practice.
WHAT TO WEIGH HEAVILY
How much process change is required Whether local support exists Whether users responded well
WHAT TO WEIGH LESS
Feature counts Brand Features you might use later
WHY THAT LAST POINT
Future features rarely justify present complexity.
WHAT TO DOCUMENT
The decision, the alternatives, and the reasoning.
WHY
It is examined if the project struggles, and it prevents relitigating.
WHO SHOULD DECIDE
The business, with input from those who evaluated.
WHAT TO AVOID
Deciding by committee without a clear owner Deciding on the last demonstration seen Deciding on price alone
WHAT TO DO BEFORE COMMITTING
A pilot or proof of concept, where the investment is substantial.
WHAT THAT SHOULD TEST
The scenarios you are least confident about.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What would cause you to stop.
